The first traces of burning the dead are found in 1 Samuel 31:12. The
burning of the body was affixed by the law of Moses as a penalty to
certain crimes (Leviticus 20:14; 21:9).
To leave the dead unburied was regarded with horror (1 Kings 13:22;
14:11; 16:4; 21:24, etc.).
In the earliest times of which we have record kinsmen carried their dead to
the grave (Genesis 25:9; 35:29; Judges 16:31), but in later times this was
done by others (Amos 6:16).
Immediately after decease the body was washed, and then wrapped in a
large cloth (Acts 9:37; Matthew 27:59; Mark 15:46). In the case of
persons of distinction, aromatics were laid on the folds of the cloth (John
19:39; comp. John 12:7).
As a rule the burial (q.v.) took place on the very day of the death (Acts
5:6, 10), and the body was removed to the grave in an open coffin or on a
bier (Luke 7:14). After the burial a funeral meal was usually given (2
Samuel 3:35; Jeremiah 16:5, 7; Hos. 9:4).
- FURLONG a stadium, a Greek measure of distance equal to 606 feet and
9 inches (Luke 24:13; John 6:19; 11:18; Revelation 14:20; 21:16). - FURNACE (1.) Chald. attun, a large furnace with a wide open mouth, at
the top of which materials were cast in (Daniel 3:22, 23; comp. Jeremiah
29:22). This furnace would be in constant requisition, for the Babylonians
disposed of their dead by cremation, as did also the Accadians who
invaded Mesopotamia.
(2.) Hebrews kibshan, a smelting furnace (Genesis 19:28), also a lime-kiln
(Isaiah 33:12; Amos 2:1).
(3.) Hebrews kur, a refining furnace (Proverbs 17:3; 27:21; Ezekiel 22:18).
(4.) Hebrews alil, a crucible; only used in Psalm 12:6.
(5.) Hebrews tannur, oven for baking bread (Genesis 15:17; Isaiah 31:9;
Nehemiah 3:11). It was a large pot, narrowing towards the top. When it
was heated by a fire made within, the dough was spread over the heated
surface, and thus was baked. “A smoking furnace and a burning lamp”
(Genesis 15:17), the symbol of the presence of the Almighty, passed
between the divided pieces of Abraham’s sacrifice in ratification of the
covenant God made with him. (See OVEN.)